Ronald Robinson

Ronald A. Robinson (Ron) was born August 31, 1923 in Nampa, Idaho to Leroy and Amy (Ecker) Robinson. Ron passed away from natural causes at Gritman Memorial Hospital. At seven years of age Ron's family moved to Melba, Idaho where he graduated high school. In the fall of 1941 he enrolled at the University of Idaho with a Union Pacific Scholarship taking classes in agriculture. Ron was inducted into the US Army in June of 1943 where he was sent to Europe with the Engineer Combat Unit. As a member of the 69th division, US First Army was present when the US forces linked with the Soviet Army at the Elbe River. Following his discharge in 1946 Ron returned to Idaho taking work at the U of I Experimental Farm in Parma, ID. That September Ron married Winifred Mae Sersain at her family home in Caldwell and returned to Moscow to complete his degree in Horticulture. After graduation in 1948, Ron began what was to become a lifetime love of working with the land and growing virtually anything that could be put into the soil. Ron began his career in the seed business with Crites Moscow Growers as a field man and later as production manager. In October 1947, Dennis, their first of three sons arrived followed by Jim in March of 1950 and Jerry in April of 1953. In June of 1955 Ron purchased his father in law's farm in Homedale, ID and with his "burning desire to return to the land" moved Winnie and the boys to a one bedroom homestead on the 100 acre farm. For 10 years Ron raised row crops and operated a small dairy while Winnie taught high school home economics. With an opportunity to manage Stubbs Seed Services for the Merle Stubbs family Ron and Winnie returned to Moscow in June 1965. After purchasing the business, Ron and Winnie operated the company for thirty years until selling it to their son Jerry in the mid 90s. Following the sale of the company, Ron continued to work daily assisting with harvest, planting, and maintaining the trials and increase blocks. Ron's interest in the daily activities of the seed plant continued until 2001 when the company was closed. Ron's passion for gardening and woodworking gave him the opportunity to share his produce and projects with many friends, neighbors and family. Over the course of his life he gave his time and talents to many community, civic and professional organizations including Rotary, Moscow Planning and Zoning, Boy Scouts, Homedale School Board, Idaho Eastern Oregon Seed Association and both the Homedale and Moscow Presbyterian Churches. Following his "retirement" Ron continued the tradition of having coffee with former business associates and friends at the Pantry where the "roundtable" met each morning for coffee and friendly debate of other important issues. Ron is survived by Winnie, his wife of 68 years: sons Dennis (Nancy), Jim (Mary) and Jerry (Carol); grandchildren Scott, Matt, Carrie, Susan, Mary, Kelli, Kyle and 11 great grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his sister Irene Shaver and Brother Irving Robinson. Services will be held at 11:00 am; Saturday; March 21, 2015 at the Moscow First Presbyterian Church. A private burial will be held at the Moscow Cemetery prior to the service. A reception for friends and family will follow the service at the University Inn Best Western. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the College of Agriculture; University of Idaho Foundation; 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 443147; Moscow, Idaho.